What is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease caused by the gradual breakdown of cartilage – the protective cushioning between bones. As cartilage wears down, bones rub against each other, causing pain and stiffness.
It most commonly affects:
- Knees
- Hips
- Spine
- Hands
Who is at Risk?
Risk increases with:
- Aging
- Obesity
- Previous joint injuries
- Repetitive joint stress
- Poor posture and biomechanics
- Genetic factors
Symptoms of Osteoarthritis
Symptoms usually develop slowly and worsen over time:
- Joint pain during movement
- Morning stiffness
- Swelling around joints
- Reduced flexibility
- Difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or gripping objects
Ignoring early symptoms can lead to significant disability.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis involves:
- Clinical examination
- X-rays or MRI scans
- Functional assessment of joint movement and strength
Early diagnosis helps slow disease progression.
Treatment and Management.
Although osteoarthritis cannot be cured, symptoms can be effectively managed through:
- Physiotherapy and exercise therapy
- Weight management
- Pain relief medications
- Activity modification
- Joint protection strategies
- In advanced cases, surgical intervention
A multidisciplinary approach provides the best results.
How MAI HEALTH Supports Osteoarthritis Care
MAI HEALTH connects patients with:
- Doctors and physiotherapists
- Diagnostic imaging and lab services
- Pharmacy support for medications
- Appointment scheduling and progress tracking
By integrating care across specialties, MAI HEALTH ensures continuous, coordinated, and patient-centered osteoarthritis management, improving mobility and quality of life.
